Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS) Dam

About Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) Dam:

• It is a type of gravity dam built on the river Kaveri and its tributaries, Hemavathi and Lakshmana Theertha, in the district of Mandya in Karnataka. 
• Construction:
  • The dam was named after Maharaja Krishna Raja Wadiyar IV, the then ruler of the princely state of Mysore, who played a significant role in initiating and funding the construction.
  • The dam's primary objectives were to provide water for irrigation, generate hydroelectric power, and mitigate the impact of droughts in the region. 
  • The construction began in 1911 and was completed in 1931.
  • The dam was designed by Sir M. Visvesvaraya, a famous Indian engineer (often referred to as the ‘architect of modern Mysore’ or ‘father of planning in India’).
• The reservoir is spread over an area of 130 Sq. Kms.
• Features:
  • It is 2,621 meters (8,600 feet) long and 40 meters (130 feet) high.
  • The dam has arch-type 177 iron sluices, and some of them have automatic doors.
  • The dam was among the first in the world to have automatic sluice gates. 
  • It was constructed using traditional stone masonry and a lime-pozzolan mortarcalled surki, which acted as the binder.
  • Brindavan Gardens, an ornamental garden, is attached to the dam. 
• Usage:
  • Apart from being the main source of water for irrigation in the most fertile Mysore and Mandya, the reservoir is the main source of drinking water for all of Mysore city and almost the whole of Bangalore city.
  • It also ensures power supply to the Shivanasamudra hydroelectric power station.
  • The water released from this dam flows into the state of Tamil Nadu and is stored in the Mettur dam in the Salem district.

Q1. What is a Gravity Dam?

A gravity dam is a type of dam structure designed to withstand the force of water pressure solely through its weight. It relies on its massive weight and resistance to sliding to hold back the force of the water and maintain stability. Gravity dams are commonly built in locations where there is a solid foundation of bedrock or rock formations that can support their weight effectively.

Source: Monsoon in Karnataka: KRS dam breaches 100 feet mark, Kabini almost full following rain in Kerala